Connecting to SQL Server 2008 at home from work

[Brawler]

Hi.

I am trying to connect to a SQL Server I have running at home from work. The server is a Windows 8 machine and SQL Server 2008 R2 is set up to allow networking (browser is on, TCP/IP & Names pipes enabled, firewall open on port 1433). I can connect to it via local network so it seems to be configured properly.

Now the problem comes in when trying to connect to it from work. At home I have ADSL with a dynamic IP so to get around this I am using no-ip (similar to dyndns) which updates every 5 minutes to a host name.

My Netgear DG834GT is configured to forward port 1433 to my SQL servers IP address.

With all this in mind I still can't connect. Am I missing something? Thanks

 

[ToxicBunny]

Depends on your work setup..

How big is your company, what sort of firewalls etc do they have in placE?

 

[morkhans]

Would be a much better idea to setup a VPN at the office and connected over that from home. Exposing your SQL server to the world via NAT will only end in tears.

 

[ViperGTI]

I used to use LogMeIn Hamachi to create a VPN and then connect to my pc from wherever I am. Hamachi will give your computer a "static" IP address, but you'll need to install Hamachi at work as well.

 

[DominionZA]

If you have not actually specified 1433 then dynamic ports are still being used.
You must assign 1433 and disable dynamic ports in configuration for TCP/IP.
I do it like this for both 2008 and 2012 (different ports though). The rest I do is same as you.

 

[Brawler]

Thanks guys.

I know VPN is the better option and I will look into it.

This is not for a production system just me fiddling around so I don't need to worry about data being stolen or corrupted or anything.

I will continue to fiddle tonight. Thanks again.

 

[Fudzy]

Would be a much better idea to setup a VPN at the office and connected over that from home. Exposing your SQL server to the world via NAT will only end in tears.

I was thinking the same thing but it would depend on his work's policies. I would have a troop of rabid winged monkeys attacking me if I tried that at work.

 

[Brawler]

Update: I got it working using Hamachi VPN. Piece of cake. For what I understand, secure to.

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi Brawler,
Glad you got it working and even happier that you did it over a VPN.
I was very concerned when I read the post that you dad opened yourself up to be the hacked of the century.
There are good reasons for firewalls, closed ports and tied down security even for the general home user.
So my watch phrase is trust no one. Not even yourself.

Regards

Tim